Roller blading, or in-line skating, is a great way for the whole family to have fun and exercise together. According to studies, it burns as many calories as running, but is much easier on the joints. No matter what your skill level, you can have loads of fun with this activity!
In order to keep your roller blades in top shape and get the longest life out of them, you will want to perform regular care and maintenance techniques on them. It will extend their life and ensure the safest skating experience for you. You should inspect them, either before or after each and every time you skate.
WHEELS
At some point you will start to notice your wheels wearing down. The amount of time it takes for this to happen will depend on the type of surface you skate on most often. Usually they will be worn more on one side than the other. The first sign of this may be slower skating and performance. To get the most life out of your wheels, you will want to rotate and flip them over at the first sign of a substantial amount of wear. Serious, frequent skaters may do this as often as every day, but most recreational users will rotate them much less often. Consult your user's manual for your specific type of skate's rotation instructions.
BEARINGS
There are two types of bearings - shielded and sealed, or serviceable and non-serviceable. A lot of skates have shielded/serviceable bearings, but some believe that the sealed/non-serviceable kind are the best to have. The shielded bearings have some degree of protection from outside elements getting in, such as dirt and grime, while the sealed bearings are completely protected from these things.
Exposure to certain elements, especially water, will require a cleaning and re-lubrication. Tell-tale signs of needed maintenance are metallic sounds or vibrations coming from the wheels. If the bearings become rough from not being properly cared for they will need to be replaced entirely.
Follow your user's manual on how to remove the bearings. Once they are removed you can soak them in a grease-solvent solution to remove all dirt and grime. After that, completely dry and remove all traces of water - this is crucial! Now you will want to lubricate the bearings with your favorite lubricant, and reassemble the bearings according to your user's manual.
BRAKES
Brake pads should be inspected to make sure that they are securely attached, and that there is plenty of padding left. Brake pads usually have a "wear line" that will warn you of when they need replacing. Be sure to replace them before they get to this line, not after.
LINERS & BOOTS
Removable liners can and should be washed. Hand-washing with a mild detergent is usually the best and most recommended way of doing it, and then hang them to dry. The outer boot can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Be sure to avoid getting the wheels and bearings wet.
Also inspect all buckles and fasteners to make sure they securely snap closed. Never try to skate with broken or damaged fasteners because you could hurt yourself or further damage your roller blades.
Inspect the outside boot surface for cracks or damage, too. If repairs are needed, it is best to find a reputable roller blade repair shop to ensure it is done properly and according to the manufacturer's speculations.
With proper care and maintenance, your roller blades will last a long time, and keep you skating safely.
